The Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA, has spent nearly a decade building its Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP), a dual-credit Career and Technical Education program created with Green River College and the Puget Sound Skills Center. Since launching in 2016, the program has given high school juniors and seniors a way to earn both high school and college credit while exploring aviation operations careers such as aircraft and drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, and other areas tied to the industry.
That model is now extending beyond the museum’s campus. Working with the Peninsula School District, the museum helped establish the district’s Aviation Academy, which began serving students in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula communities in 2025. Built around the same ASP curriculum, the academy allows students who complete the program to earn six high school credits and up to 60 college credits at no cost. Museum staff were involved in setting up the new academy, working with district teachers to carry over the structure of the Seattle program while adjusting it for local needs. Partnerships with aviation professionals are also part of the effort. At the museum, students regularly receive feedback from airport management staff at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and the Peninsula program has built similar relationships with personnel at Tacoma Narrows Airport, who help review projects and share practical insight. “The partnership with Peninsula School District has been wonderfully collaborative and productive,” said Rob Prosch, Director of Preparatory Programs at The Museum of Flight. “It has grown and established itself as a fantastic model of how the Museum desires to partner with education agencies across Washington state. And growth comes in unexpected ways that are mutually beneficial. For example, Peninsula hired a recently retired Navy Aviator, Commander JP Williamson, who brings his expertise and experience of helicopters to the classroom. His knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation shine when he shares them for Aviation Academy, and when collaborating with the Museum’s ASP staff.”
“Peninsula School District has been proud to partner with The Museum of Flight to bring this exceptional aviation program to our students,” said Krestin Bahr, Peninsula School District Superintendent. “Aviation Academy gives our students an opportunity to pursue their passion for flight while earning real college credits and building the skills needed for careers in one of the most dynamic industries in the world. We are grateful for the museum’s expertise, collaboration, and shared commitment to expanding access to innovative, career-connected learning experiences.” For more information and to support The Museum of Flight, click on the link: www.museumofflight.org.
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Amreetam Basu is a Content Manager at Vintage Aviation News with more than four years of experience in editorial roles. He began his career covering automobiles before moving into aviation, with a focus on aircraft history and design. His experience spans both news and feature content, with an emphasis on clear, well-researched reporting. When he is not reading about aircraft or editing stories, you will likely find him behind the camera or planning his next trip. For queries or story ideas, you can contact Amreetam at [email protected].
